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If You Should Stand at the Gate of Heaven

Dr. Ray Pritchard is the president of Keep Believing Ministries, an Internet-based ministry serving Christians in 225 countries. He is the author of 29 books, including Stealth Attack, Fire and Rain, Credo, The ABCs of Christmas, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, An Anchor for the Soul and Why Did This Happen to Me? Ray and Marlene, his wife of 39 years, have three sons - Josh, Mark and Nick, two daughters-in-law- Leah and Vanessa, and four grandchildren - Knox, Eli, Penny and Violet. His hobbies include biking, surfing the Internet, and anything related to the Civil War.

When you stand at the gate of heaven and God says, “Why should I let you in?” what answer will you give?

“I was a member of Wesley Methodist Church.” Not good enough.

“I was an elder at Wayside Chapel.” You’ll be in big trouble.

“My father built our church.” That’s good, but it’s not the right answer.

“I lived a good life.” We’re happy for you, but you weren’t good enough.

“I gave to feed the orphans in Namibia.” That’s truly wonderful, but that won’t open the doors of heaven.

“I was baptized by Father O’Reilly.” I’m sure he was a good man, but that’s not enough.

“I read the Purpose-Driven Life five times.” That’s a good book, but it won’t get you to heaven.”

“I read Pastor Ray’s sermon every week.” Not even close.

If you want to go to heaven, you must trust in Jesus Christ and him alone. You must go “all in” on the Son of God who loved you and died for you. You must believe in him so much that if he can’t take you to heaven, you aren’t going to go there.

We are saved by grace,we live by faith, and we depend completely on the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Don’t be proud or cocky or arrogant. If you make it to heaven, it will only be because of God’s kindness to you. And between now and then, run to the cross every day. Lay hold of Christ and never let go. May God help us all to “wholly trust in Jesus’ name.”